Page 190 of A Queen's Game
Chapter Seventy-Three
Marietta
On her fourth trip to refill her drink, Keyain finally intercepted Marietta. “Are you fucking kidding me?” he ground out, stepping in front of her.
Marietta sidestepped him like she would do any guy approaching her at a tavern, looking at him over her shoulder. “Something wrong?”
At the bar, she set down her emptied drink on the counter and flagged down the barmaid. Customers swamped the lone worker as the tavern became packed throughout the night.
“Yes, something is wrong. You’re out there making a fool of yourself—of me.” Keyain placed a hand on her hip, the touch more possessive than sweet.
With a dramatic eye roll, Marietta glared up at him. “Look around you, Keyain. When we walked in, people were leaving because you made it uncomfortable. Now the tavern’s packed, and your soldiers are dancing, having fun. They’ll tie that positivity to you.”
“No, they’re amazed that a noble lady could ever stoop so low. Pay attention to your gown; you aren’t dressed to be dancing like that.”
She glanced down at the pearl-studded gown that continued to slip on her chest, shifting it up with two hands. “Funny you have a problem with it, considering you picked it out.” She turned towards the barmaid. “Two more shots and another ale, please.”
The barmaid nodded her head and ducked behind the bar.
Keyain glared at her, annoyance clear in his features. “Do you need two more shots?”
“No, I don’t.” Marietta turned towards him, placing her hands on his chest, grabbing the front of his jacket. “But you do. Listen, you need to lighten up. You’re dealing with people, so act like a person for once.”
Keyain rolled his eyes, but his expression softened, wrapping his arms around her. “You will be the death of me.”
She smirked as the barmaid set down the drinks on the bar. “At least you’ll die having fun then.” She handed the shots to Keyain, watching as he threw them back.
An elven man with feathery auburn hair that contrasted with the green of his uniform approached with a grin. “My eyes must deceive me. Is that the great Keyain Vallynte at the Snapdragon, taking shots?”
Keyain’s face lit up with a smile. “Ryder, how am I not surprised that you’re here?” The two embraced. His name sounded familiar but Marietta couldn’t place it.
“All those times I’ve invited you out,” Ryder said with a mocking pout. “Then to think that after I raced here when word spread at the garrison that you were buying drinks, I find you taking shots without me. You wound me, my friend.”
Keyain rolled his eyes but kept his smile. “Trust me, this night wasn’t my idea.” He gestured to Marietta, pulling her close to his side. “This one insisted.”
“Ah, the infamous Marietta.” Ryder’s grin sharpened.
“And you, the mysterious Ryder.” With furrowed brows, she stuck out her hand. Ryder grasped it, wincing as she shook.
“Quite the grip,” he said, raising his brow at Keyain. “She lives up to her brash reputation.”
“Ryder, not now,” Keyain warned.
“Curious, you’re not the first person to call me brash tonight.” Marietta matched his sharpened grin.
Ryder took a step closer, looking at Marietta from head to toe. “Unsurprising. Though, Adalyn had something different to say about you.”
Marietta’s stomach dropped at the mention of Adalyn, the scowling guard with blonde hair. That’s where she had heard his name before, at the sculpture garden with the King. Ryder knew about the almost kiss. “Well, I can say that I’ve known Keyain for a decade now and this is the first I’m hearing of you.” A saccharine spread across her lips. “Your reputation does not outlive you.”
“Oh, that one hurts,” Ryder said, grasping Keyain’s shoulder. “How does your wife know about your best friend?”
Marietta narrowed her eyes on the pair. She was under the impression that King Wyltam held that title.
Keyain sighed and went to speak, but Marietta cut him off. “Don’t be hurt,” she said, placing her hand on his arm. “Keyain didn’t share most of the details about his life, including his friends.” The glare that Keyain shot her was scathing; she couldn’t help but smile sweetly at him.
“I’ve actually needed to ask you something about your unit,” Keyain ground out, lowering his voice. Ryder’s previous lighthearted attitude dropped to seriousness as he listened to Keyain.
Marietta’s attention turned to the crowded room. A flash of bright blue caught her from the far side, finding Coryn from theTemple of Therypon leaning against the wall, arms crossed, gaze locked onto Marietta.
